Latin American Cheesesteak

Ingredients

While the original American cheesesteak is typically made with thinly sliced beef, this Latin American adaptation incorporates Latin spices and ingredients to give it a unique twist. We'll be using marinated flank steak, sautéed onions and peppers, and a blend of Latin American cheeses to create a deliciously flavorful and melty filling. We alse have the original recipe for Cheesesteak, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) flank steak, thinly sliced 500g (1.1 lb) flank steak, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 onion, thinly sliced 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 crusty rolls 4 crusty rolls
• 200g (7 oz) Latin American cheese blend (such as queso fresco, queso blanco, or Oaxaca cheese) 200g (7 oz) Latin American cheese blend (such as queso fresco, queso blanco, or Oaxaca cheese)

Nutrition

• Calories: 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat: 20g (Saturated Fat: 8g)
• Carbohydrates: 30g (Sugars: 5g)
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the sliced flank steak, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. 2.
   Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated flank steak and cook until browned and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
3. 3.
   In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the sliced onions and bell peppers until they are tender and slightly caramelized, about 5-6 minutes.
4. 4.
   Return the cooked flank steak to the skillet with the onions and peppers. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. 5.
   Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Slice the crusty rolls in half lengthwise and place them on a baking sheet. Toast the rolls in the oven for about 5 minutes, or until they are lightly crispy.
6. 6.
   Remove the rolls from the oven and evenly distribute the steak, onion, and pepper mixture onto each roll. Top with a generous amount of the Latin American cheese blend.
7. 7.
   Return the assembled cheesesteaks to the oven and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. 8.
   Remove from the oven and serve the Latin American Cheesesteaks hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Flank steak — For a more tender result, slice the flank steak against the grain.
• Latin American cheese blend — If you can't find a pre-made blend, you can mix equal parts of queso fresco, queso blanco, and Oaxaca cheese.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, add a sliced jalapeño or a sprinkle of chili powder to the steak marinade.
• If you prefer a softer roll, lightly steam the crusty rolls before toasting them in the oven.
• Customize your Latin American Cheesesteak by adding toppings like avocado slices, salsa, or pickled jalapeños.

Serving advice

Serve the Latin American Cheesesteaks with a side of crispy plantain chips and a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

To make the dish visually appealing, cut the cheesesteaks in half diagonally and serve them on a wooden cutting board or a colorful plate.